Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Further Education and Skills Sector
Program Overview
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PgCE) in Further Education and Skills Sector is a part-time, two-year Level 6 program at London South Bank University designed to produce effective teachers within the Further Education and Skills sector. Graduates will be eligible for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS) upon completion.
Program Outline
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PgCE) in Further Education and Skills Sector | London South Bank University
Degree Overview:
This part-time, two-year Level 6 PgCE in Further Education and Skills Sector is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become effective Further Education and Skills teachers. The program aims to meet the Occupational Standards for the Further Education and Skills teacher role, enabling graduates to facilitate learning for diverse student populations, including young adults (14-19) and mature students. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS) through the Society for Education and Training. The program emphasizes social justice and inclusion, encouraging the development of inclusive teaching practices to cater to the diverse needs of students in various further education settings. It fosters critical reflection skills and encourages practitioner research to enhance individual teaching practice and provide optimal learning experiences for students.
Key Program Objectives:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the main principles for teaching, learning, and assessment in the subject specialist area.
- Engage in hands-on activities to effectively translate educational theory into practical teaching.
- Adopt inclusive practices to meet the diverse needs of students in various further education settings.
- Enhance critical reflection skills and undertake practitioner research to improve teaching practice.
- Critically analyze current policies and practices and adapt them to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
- Become a reflective practitioner whose teaching practice is grounded in evidence-informed pedagogies and committed to inclusive practice and continuous professional development.
Outline:
The program consists of five Level 6 core modules totaling 120 credits, delivered over two years. Students will also explore topics such as anti-racist education practices, inclusive practice, assessment, and feedback.
Year 1:
- Principles for Teaching, Learning and Assessment in subject specialist areas (20 credits): This module introduces evidence-informed principles for teaching, learning, and assessment, supporting students in planning and delivering face-to-face and online sessions within their subject specialist area. It covers theories underpinning curriculum development, lesson planning, digital pedagogies, feedback, and assessment design. Students will select and apply effective teaching strategies considering educational contexts and student needs, review, create, and adapt inclusive learning resources (including digital resources) to meet diverse needs, and enhance self-reflection skills and confidence in teaching within further education contexts. It emphasizes social class, race and diversity, gender and sexual orientation, asylum seekers and refugee families, disability and equity, as well as linguistic and cultural diversity. Students will become familiar with the historical developments of the Further Education and Skills Sector and the characteristics of diverse FE settings (e.g., Prison Education). They will produce and maintain a portfolio of professional practice throughout the course to provide evidence of their teaching practice and reflective practice, contributing to improving their teaching practice.
Year 2:
- Action Research (40 credits): This module supports students in designing and implementing a creative practitioner research project relevant to their own teaching practice. The project aims to enhance teaching practice and improve student achievement and learning experiences. Students will become familiar with the historical developments of the Further Education and Skills Sector and the characteristics of diverse FE settings (e.g., Prison Education). They will produce and maintain a portfolio of professional practice throughout the course to provide evidence of their teaching practice and reflective practice, contributing to improving their teaching practice.
Assessment:
Assessment methods include a range of summative assessments designed to encourage reflection on teaching practice and critical thinking about institutional or practice-based challenges. These assessments include:
- Portfolio of practice
- Reflective online journal
- Case study of individual learners
- Action research proposal and project
- Individual presentation
- Reflective accounts
Teaching:
The program utilizes student-centered strategies in both face-to-face and remote sessions to encourage critical engagement with current research and theory and to discuss the application of theories to practice. These activities include:
- Group discussion/ seminar group activities
- Tutorials
- Self-reflection
- Individual and group presentations
- Guided reading activities
- Independent study and self-directed research
- Micro teaching sessions
- E-learning
- Practical workshops
Careers:
The PgCE provides the practical qualification and development of the LST Occupational Standards required to teach and work in the Further Education and Skills Sector. This sector encompasses various contexts, including:
- Further Education colleges
- Sixth-form colleges
- Adult learning colleges/ centers
- Community learning colleges/ centers
- Prison education
- Youth offending services Graduates are eligible to progress onto an MA in Education.
Other:
- Placement experience is integral to the PgCE, with a minimum of 250 hours required, including 150 hours of direct teaching (with at least 20 hours of remote synchronous teaching).
- Placement requirements include a minimum of two placements (the second being at least 20 hours) to gain experience from different settings.
- Students are supported by subject-specialist mentors and university-based mentors during placements.
- Teaching responsibility gradually increases, starting with shadowing experienced teachers and progressing to small group and whole class teaching.
- Weekly mentor meetings encourage reflection on practice and provide professional advice.
- The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners, and industry experts as guest speakers.
- The PgCE is delivered in collaboration with South Bank colleges and Academies.
London South Bank University
Overview:
London South Bank University (LSBU) is a public university located in London, England. It is known for its practical and career-focused courses, strong industry links, and commitment to social mobility.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
LSBU offers a vibrant student life with a strong Students' Union, various clubs and societies, and opportunities to engage in social activities. The university has a diverse student body, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Students can expect a supportive learning environment with access to various student support services.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Employability:
LSBU graduates are among the highest paid on average amongst all London Modern universities.Strong Industry Links:
The university has strong partnerships with industry leaders, providing students with practical experience and networking opportunities.Location:
LSBU's location in London offers students access to the city's rich culture, history, and diverse communities.Social Mobility:
LSBU is ranked 3rd in the world for reducing inequalities, demonstrating its commitment to providing access to higher education for all.Academic Programs:
LSBU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Applied Sciences:
Arts and Creative Industries:
Business:
Engineering:
Law and Social Sciences:
The Built Environment and Architecture:
Health and Social Care:
Other:
LSBU has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with several research centers and groups focusing on various areas of study. The university also offers a range of facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and student support services.
Entry Requirements:
- UK Qualifications:
- Hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum of second class (2:2) or equivalent in a relevant subject.
- Applicants with a degree in an unrelated subject may be considered if they have a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject.
- Be currently teaching or supporting learning in a Further Education and Skills setting. Teaching/professional practice can be full-time or part-time.
- Have GCSE in Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. Applicants who have not yet met this requirement are welcome to apply but will not be able to start the course until they have met this requirement.
- 2 Satisfactory references.
- International Qualifications:
- The same requirements as UK qualifications apply to international students.
- Additional Requirements:
- All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to an interview to determine whether they will be offered a place.
- All entrants to ITE courses are required to undergo both an enhanced criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and an Occupational Health check (OH). LSBU pays for both of these checks.
